Background check
Teaches online
Teaches Beginner, Intermediate
Age: 9-90
Teaching since 2022
Music Performance
Piano 🎹 One piece at a time!
To improve information retention, I try to build lessons around one particular idea at a time. For example, the very first thing I like to teach is how to find 'C' on the piano. If that is the only takeaway from our first lesson, then that will set you up for an -outstanding- second lesson. My philosophy is to take things slow and to make them as fun as possible - I like to throw in fun quips and relate my lessons to the students' own interests to make each lesson stick.
I like to keep this pace even with more advanced students, mostly just to ensure that the fun of what they're learning isn't lost in the nervous rush to get a piece of music completed by a certain date. In my experience, all of music is about delayed gratification, and if it takes several months or even years to master a song, then that makes it all the more worth it when you get to show off what you've learned!
Also - you may notice that I actually charge disproportionally more for longer lessons; this is because I want to discourage anyone from spending too much time at once just focusing on a single theme or subject. I have personally found that the 'sweet spot' for keeping a student's attention and making sure they sign-off with new, valuable information about their musical journey is somewhere around the 30 minute to 45 minute mark. I am more than happy to schedule shorter lessons with a student multiple times a week, but I predict you will see diminishing returns from anything lasting an hour or longer. If you find that you (or your child) has the discipline for longer lessons, I am also willing to negotiate a much more reasonable price with you on a client-by-client basis.
Instructor details
Location:
Student's Home
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Monday
12 AM-1 PM
9:30 PM-12 AM
Tuesday
12 AM-12 AM
Wednesday
12 AM-1 PM
5 PM-12 AM
Thursday
12 AM-12 AM
Friday
12 AM-5 PM
9:30 PM-12 AM
Saturday
12 AM-5 PM
Sunday
12 AM-12 AM
5 PM-12 AM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
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Pricing
30 minutes
$15
45 minutes
$15
60 minutes
$40
90 minutes
$68
120 minutes
$97
About Troy S.
Hello, I am a songwriter, performer, and band leader with the know-how to teach a wide variety of subjects related to music. I take pride in my understanding of music theory, particularly how it relates to playing piano and keyboard. To me, one of the most fun things about music is breaking down a song and seeing how all of its different elements come together to create a beautiful masterpiece. Finding all the interesting coincidences and intentional composition choices between musical works really tests your brain like a big puzzle. Solving the puzzle not only makes a song easier to understand and play along to, but will also reward you with specific skills related to your chosen instrument. That being said, I am a lifelong student myself, so if someone has a question that I'm unable to answer, I'm humble enough to say "I don't know - but let's figure it out together!" My main expertise is with reading and performing keyboard music, though I am also a seasoned trumpet player, singer, and bassist, having written and performed with a multitude of bands over my musical career. If I'm your guy, let's talk! I have so much to share with you!
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Experience
Keyboard Instructor
Apr, 2022 - PresentRockstars of Tomorrow
Primarily conducted keyboard lessons to students of all ages while also receiving experience in teaching other instruments, such as voice, bass, drums, and guitar. Prepared students for their participation in larger group workshops (JamCore and BandCore programs) by reviewing music with them and imparting 'survival techniques'.
Education
Music Performance
Jul, 2012 - May, 2016Riverside City College
Awards
2012 John Phillip Sousa Award for Excellence in Band
May, 2012Oak Hills High School
Instructor details
Location:
Student's Home
Teaches Online
Teaching Hours
Monday
12 AM-1 PM
9:30 PM-12 AM
Tuesday
12 AM-12 AM
Wednesday
12 AM-1 PM
5 PM-12 AM
Thursday
12 AM-12 AM
Friday
12 AM-5 PM
9:30 PM-12 AM
Saturday
12 AM-5 PM
Sunday
12 AM-12 AM
5 PM-12 AM
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Pricing
30 minutes
$15
45 minutes
$15
60 minutes
$40
90 minutes
$68
120 minutes
$97
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